Complaints Procedure
We aim to provide an excellent service to every client. If something has gone wrong, we want to know, and we want to put it right. This document explains how to complain, what we'll do, and what your further rights are.
1. How to make a complaint
You can make a complaint by any of the following means. There is no fee for making a complaint.
- Email: info@excelmoney.co.uk
- Phone: 0800 448 0298 (Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, weekends by appointment)
- Post: The Compliance Officer, Excel Money, Office 23, Silkstone House, Pioneer Way, Wath upon Dearne, S63 7JZ
- In person: by appointment at our South Yorkshire office
If you complain in writing, please include:
- Your full name, address and contact details
- Your case reference number (if known)
- A clear description of what went wrong
- What outcome you would like
- Any supporting documents
2. Our process
Step 1: Acknowledgement (within 5 working days)
We will acknowledge your complaint in writing within 5 working days. The acknowledgement will tell you the name of the person handling your complaint, give you a unique case reference, and confirm the next steps.
Step 2: Investigation
The complaint will be investigated by our Compliance Officer (or, if the complaint relates to the Compliance Officer, by an independent third party). The investigation will include:
- Reviewing all case files, recordings and correspondence
- Speaking to the adviser(s) involved
- Speaking to you, if helpful, to clarify any details
- Considering all the facts against the FCA's rules and the standards we expect of ourselves
Step 3: Update at 4 weeks (if needed)
If we are unable to resolve your complaint within 4 weeks, we will write to you with an update explaining where we are in the process and when you can expect a final response.
Step 4: Final response (within 8 weeks)
We will issue a final written response within 8 weeks of receiving your complaint. The final response will:
- Summarise your complaint
- Set out our findings and the reasons for them
- Tell you whether the complaint is upheld, partially upheld, or not upheld
- Where appropriate, offer redress (an apology, compensation, fee refund, or other remedy)
- Inform you of your right to refer the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service if you are not satisfied
- Include a copy of the Financial Ombudsman Service's leaflet "Your Complaint and the Ombudsman"
3. Your right to refer to the Financial Ombudsman Service
If you are not satisfied with our final response, or if 8 weeks have passed without a final response, you may refer the complaint free of charge to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). The FOS is an independent, free dispute-resolution service for consumers and small businesses.
You must refer the complaint to the FOS within 6 months of our final response date.
You can contact the Financial Ombudsman Service:
- Online: financial-ombudsman.org.uk
- Email: complaint.info@financial-ombudsman.org.uk
- Phone: 0800 023 4567 (free from landlines and mobiles)
- Post: Financial Ombudsman Service, Exchange Tower, London E14 9SR
4. Eligibility for the Ombudsman service
The FOS service is available to consumers, micro-enterprises (fewer than 10 employees and turnover under €2m), small businesses (fewer than 50 employees and turnover under £6.5m), charities (income under £6.5m), trusts (assets under £5m), and certain guarantors. Most of our clients are eligible.
5. The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)
If we are unable to meet our liabilities (e.g. due to insolvency), you may be entitled to compensation from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Mortgage advice and protection insurance are both eligible types of business. Further details are available at fscs.org.uk or by phone on 0800 678 1100.
6. Records
We keep records of all complaints for at least 3 years (5 years for MCOB-regulated mortgage business). These records are reviewed by our Compliance Officer and reported to the FCA as required.
7. Continuous improvement
Every complaint is an opportunity for us to improve. The Compliance Officer reviews all complaints quarterly and reports themes and lessons to the firm's directors. Where appropriate, we make changes to our processes, training or controls as a result.
8. Contact
For any questions about this procedure, or to make a complaint:
The Compliance Officer
Excel Money
Office 23, Silkstone House
Pioneer Way, Wath upon Dearne
S63 7JZ
info@excelmoney.co.uk
0800 448 0298